Finding the best Mental Health Activities for Toddlers
We all get frustrated or upset from time to time, but as a parent it’s your job to help ensure that your child doesn’t feel this way as well on a regular basis.
It’s important to support your child’s mental health in the same way that you take care of their physical health. Read on for some tips from one mother to another…
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Provide a Listening Ear
Make sure your youngster knows that you are there for them to talk to whenever they need you.
Find time to chat to them regularly on a one-to-one basis so that you can ask them how they’re doing and if there’s anything that might be of concern to them. We find having dinner together helps them open up. We actually found out our son was being bullied during a meal, so I really recommend it.
You can also share your own feelings now and again, so that your child knows its normal to open up and discuss your emotions. Although this was frowned upon years ago; it just shows that we are all human and there’s no shame in our feelings.
Take Them Seriously
It’s one thing to listen to your child, and another to actually value what they say and read between the lines. Don’t judge them or make them feel inferior. Instead, try and come up with ways to process and handle their emotions in a constructive manner.
Showing an interest and taking them seriously will not only help them feel better about themselves and what’s going on in their head, but it will also put you in a better position to notice any problems as and when they arise.
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Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Exercise, fresh air, sleep, and a healthy diet are not only great for your child’s physical health, but also for their mental health.
Encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle so that important “feel good” hormones can be released and help put them in a better mood so that they are more capable of dealing with challenges.
If they are tired or restless, they will find it harder to cope with things that might affect their mood. Rest is important, we often have ‘quiet time’ after lunch on weekends where they can play or read in their rooms for an hour. This helps everyone reset, makes sibling quarrels disapate and allows them some time to decompress.
There are lots of other ways you can help encourage a healthy mindset, such as encouraging your child to pursue their interests, using affirmations, praising them when they deserve it and helping them overcome obstacles.
The trick is to make it part of your routine and supporting their mental health will come naturally.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.